QLD, Crime: Cops seize $2.3m in cash, crypto from Gold Coast island home, Russian nationals charged
Police have seized more than $2.3m in cash and cryptocurrency from a Gold Coast island home as two Russian nationals face court charged with money laundering.
The 49-year-old man and 46-year-old woman will face Southport Magistrates Court following raids at the Hope Island home and a Surfers Paradise solicitor’s office last year.
Police will allege in court the pair laundered the illicit cash haul by visiting bank branches and ATMs across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia during 2022.
The Russian pair allegedly conducted hundreds of cash deposits throughout the year, with cash deposits kept under $10,000 in “an effort to avoid detection by authorities”.
The alleged scheme came crashing down late last year when anti-organised crime police raided the two properties, seizing cash, crypto, and substantial financial records.
The man and woman will face court on Monday charged with three counts each of dealing in the proceeds of crime, namely money or property worth $1m or more.
In a statement, AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said money laundering undermined Australia’s national security, the economy and social security system.
“Money laundering syndicates are sophisticated, international groups with one purpose – to provide a shadow economy enabling more crime,’’ Superintendent Telfer said.
“While law-abiding Australians are paying their taxes and being good community citizens, organised crime gangs are using money gained illegally to increase their wealth.
“They are buying homes, commercial property and living large without the financial pressures felt by ordinary Australians.
“The money that is laundered through our economy bankrolls their lavish lifestyles and funds future crime, such as more illicit drug importations and weapons trafficking.”
